As a Beauty Editor with a passion for clean, minimal glam, here are 14 stylish holiday makeup products I'm considering for 2025.
While I have a fondness for bold, avant-garde makeup looks (and frequently write about them!), my personal makeup routine tends to be quite minimalist. I seldom apply a full face of foundation and rarely invest the time to create a precise cat-eye. This tendency is more common among beauty editors than you might expect; our routines are typically low-maintenance! Nevertheless, I've been enamored with several glamorous makeup products lately, ranging from new releases that perfectly strike a balance between festive and minimalist-chic to seasonal favorites I reach for as soon as the first holiday party appears on my calendar.
I've discovered that the key to elevating your glam while maintaining an understated overall look is to focus on enhancing just one feature. Similar to opting for a standout accessory (perhaps a beautiful brooch?), committing to a single eye-catching shade—whether it’s a shimmery eyeshadow, a bold lip, or vibrant lashes—allows you to indulge in some drama without overwhelming the look. As French beauty aficionados would say, it’s a balance. Embracing the concept of subtle holiday glamour, I'm sharing my top products to enhance various features, whether you're looking to create stunning eye makeup, a silky lip, or cheekbones that shine under twinkling lights. Here are my 14 essentials for chic and minimalist holiday makeup.
**MERIT Beauty**
**Solo Shadow in Iris**
Merit's newly launched shimmer pot is for those who appreciate eye shadow without actual glitter (myself included). It offers a pearlescent sheen in a creamy, blendable formula that can be applied with your fingertips. Each shade is inspired by the metallic shadows favored by 1990s supermodels, and all six shades are worth trying; I’m particularly fond of Iris, a delicate, shimmery plum that instantly adds depth to my eyelids.
**COVERGIRL**
**Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara in Midnight Stride**
On days when I feel too busy to apply eyeshadow (and that happens often), I reach for a colorful mascara. It’s arguably the easiest way to add some flair to your eye makeup, and I always receive compliments when I wear blue, green, or burgundy mascara. Lately, I’ve been using this new navy mascara from Covergirl, not only for its rich and striking color but also for its lightweight, long-lasting formula that withstands sweat and snow.
**MAKEUP BY MARIO**
**Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Palette: Nature**
Renowned makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic recently demonstrated how to create chic, "cinnamon spice" holiday eyes, with his just-released Ethereal Eyes Eyeshadow Nature Palette taking center stage. This twinkling array of gold, bronze, and copper shadows is all you need for a flawless eye look that appears to require hours in the makeup chair.
**Dior**
**Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Sequin Duo**
A star product in the Dior holiday collection, this dual-sided liquid lipstick has been invaluable for my holiday party lineup. It boasts impressive long-wear and a finish that's just glittery enough to enhance my standard red lip. I enjoy the creamy, shimmery color alone, but adding the clear gloss on top gives it a luscious touch.
**r.e.m. beauty**
**Wicked Cherry Blossom Blush Palette**
I don't usually gravitate towards cool-toned, bubblegum pink blushes (I prefer mauves), but the holiday season motivates me to go brighter. I’m obsessed with the two shimmery shades in this three-pan palette. A pro tip: swirl them on both your lids and cheeks for a whimsical "sugar plum fairy" vibe.
**CHANEL**
**Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick**
Although not a new product, I can’t help but highlight Chanel's classic Baume Essentiel. It’s my go-to for achieving angelic skin all year, especially during the festive season.
**Violette_FR**
**Lune Liner Multichrome Liquid Eyeliner**
French makeup artist Violette Serrat has crafted the most user-friendly (and stylish) sparkling liquid eyeliners ever. With an ultra-fine precision tip and multichrome pigments, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. Each shade reflects differently as it catches the light; for instance, this fiery orange may appear green or gold, depending on the lighting.
**Gucci**
**Luminous Face & Lip Gloss**
This multitasking makeup marvel can be used for "wet" eyelids, radiant cheekbones, and glossy lips. The versatile balm gives an instant luminous effect without any shimmer, making it look like your features are naturally illuminated.
**ANFISA Skin**
**Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint - Spice Cake**
This sheer, rosy brown tint complements everything. I love it for my everyday looks (paired with a
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As a Beauty Editor who appreciates clean, minimal glam, here are 14 stylish holiday makeup products I'm considering for 2025.
Celebratory yet subtle.
As a Beauty Editor with a passion for clean, minimal glam, here are 14 stylish holiday makeup products I'm considering for 2025.
Celebratory but subtle.